Senior Squad
Click here to download 2023's training and gala schedule
Attendance
Swimming is such a skills-based sport with many complex actions to each of the four strokes’ mechanics. Swimmers that attend two or more sessions per week are more likely to acquire these necessary skills due to the ability of the coaches to re-enforce the acquired skill before it is forgotten, therefore allowing for new skills to be learnt and mastered. You are also recommended to attend land-training on a Sunday morning. (Contact Head Coach for details.)
Technique
Sound technique is a swimmer’s most important requirement for being successful. Technique calls for focus and concentration on the task. Having a sound foundation of technique allows the swimmer to build strength and confidence that is required to progress in their swimming careers.
Racing Abilities
As in any competitive sport, the ability to race is extremely important with swimming no different. As each swimmer progresses they will be expected to compete in competitions locally and further afield without being reminded or chased to enter.
Discipline
Every swimmer is expected to be on poolside at least 15 minutes before the start of their session to do their pre-pool warm up. All swimmers are expected to have their equipment, including a good size drink bottle filled with diluted squash or juice. Fizzy drinks and glass bottles are not allowed on poolside. Swimmers are expected to have respect for coaching staff, to be willing to learn and to support their teammates in training and competitions.
What Coaches Expect from Swimmers
Regular attendance at training sessions, we strongly recommend that swimmers attend 3 sessions per week at this level. Swimmers need to be in the appropriate swimwear and have appropriate kit
Boys: fitted shorts/trunks. Baggy shorts are not swimwear; they are for wearing on the beach.
Girls: costumes should fit the size you are, not be 2 sizes to big for you to grow into, the likelihood is that they will wear out well before you grow into it.
All: Fins, kickboard and stretch band.
What Senior Swimmers Can Expect from Coaches
We will work with you to help you to achieve your swimming goals. In order to do this we will:
- discuss and complete goal-setting forms bi-annually,
- offer guidance on entering competitions
- support you when you are competing
- ensure that you understand and can adhere to the ever-changing rules of competitive swimming that govern starts, stroke, turns, finishes and relay takeovers.
We realise of course that sometimes school work or illness can make attending four sessions per week difficult; as long as you are not missing sessions regularly, then that is fine. For GCSE and A-Level students, extra leeway on attendance, especially during exam. times will be given. Please keep your coach up-to-date with any times that you will be missing sessions due to exams etc.
Active Squad
If you feel that the Senior Squad is not for you, then we have an Active Squad, which has no minimum training or competition requirements, and is there for you to keep fit, to continue swimming and being part of the club. You will still receive guidance and support from a coach.
Senior Squad Training Times
The following table shows available Senior Squad sessions.
If you are not 100% certain as to whether BPSC is for you, we do offer a free taster session.
If you are interested in joining BPSC, please see the ‘Joining’ section at this website and provide us with your child’s details, including current swim level, age, and preferred sessions.
